News in Brief: New Loons Join Team Rapidly, USWNT and USSF Reach Deal, and More

New Loons jump right in

Sam Cronin and Marc Burch have arrived in Minnesota and joined Minnesota United FC in practice. The two former Colorado Rapids players were part of a deal late last week with Colorado. Both Burch and Cronin bring a lot of MLS experience with them, including being a key part of the Rapids’ tight defense. Lest you think the deal was made in a panic after allowing a record number of goals in the team’s first four matches, United has had its eye on Cronin for some time.

You might spot them in this weekend’s match-up at FC Dallas. Look for Burch wearing a bun and the number 8 and Cronin donning 19.

USWNT and USSF reach deal

After months of concerted effort, the players union representing the U.S. women’s soccer team has a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the United States Soccer Federation. For more than a year, team members have raised awareness of their concerns of unequal pay and per diem payments (compared with the men’s national team) and other issues such as field conditions. Andrew Das of the New York Times has a thoughtful writeup on the deal and how the team members worked to achieve it.

Former Loons shine

It’s been a great start to the season for several former Minnesota United players. Damion Lowe was featured by his new team, the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL. Meanwhile, J.C. Banks, Ben Speas, and Stéfano Pinho all found themselves in this week’s NASL Team of the Week.

Playing for Pride

Austin da Luz of North Carolina FC is donating money to the Human Rights Campaign based on his games played, starts, assists, and goals this season. He’s calling it “Playing for Pride” and you can join!

News bits

FC Dallas lost leg two of the CONCACAF Champions League Semifinal on Tuesday night to C.F. Pachuca. The team is now eliminated from the tournament with an aggregate of 4-3. The Toros don’t have much time to rest before they face Minnesota United on Saturday.

Abu Danladi and Vadim Demidov were both back at practice with the team after an injury and illness (respectively).